New Delhi, February 9: The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on a petition challenging the bail granted by the Chhattisgarh High Court to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with two cases linked to an alleged liquor scam. The next hearing is scheduled for two weeks from now, during which the court will decide whether to uphold or revoke Chaitanya Baghel’s bail.
This case contests the High Court’s decision that granted bail to Chaitanya Baghel in two separate matters related to the alleged liquor scam. During the Supreme Court proceedings, Chief Justice of India (CJI) stated that the hearing is adjourned for two weeks. The CJI also clarified that if there are any new developments or significant progress related to the case during this period, the state government may present them on record.
It is noteworthy that the High Court granted bail to Chaitanya Baghel in January concerning the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. He had filed a petition against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which the court considered before granting bail.
Additionally, the ED has filed a final prosecution complaint in a special court, naming 59 new individuals as accused, bringing the total number of accused to 81. Investigations indicate that this scam occurred between 2019 and 2022, during the Congress government in the state. The ED estimates that this illegal operation generated approximately ₹3,000 crores in illicit earnings, causing significant losses to the state treasury. According to the ED, the investigation has uncovered an organized syndicate involving bureaucrats, political leaders, and private businessmen, who profited illegally by undermining the state’s liquor policy.
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